Each type of field research can raise particular questions. For example, when you observe an event or a setting, are people aware of being observed? If so, have they changed their behavior? Is your random sampling of people truly representative? Have you questioned everyone in a group thoroughly enough?

In addition, consider the credibility and consistency of your particular field sources. Did your source seem biased or prejudiced? If so, is this viewpoint so strong that you have to discount some of the source’s information? Did your source provide evidence to support or corroborate claims? Have you compared different people’s opinions, accounts, or evidence? Is any evidence hearsay — one person telling you the thoughts of another or recounting actions that he or she hasn’t witnessed? If so, can you check the information with another source or a different type of evidence? Did your source seem to respond consistently, seriously, and honestly? Has time possibly distorted memories of past events? Adjust your conclusions based on your field research in accord with your answers to such questions.